Update 12/17/13 Crossbows Now Legal in Wisconsin

Just when you think hope of change is slim, in this case crossbows legal for all hunters in Wisconsin–  I wrote about the slim hope the other day Will Wisconsin let everyone use a crossbow in 2013?

A pleasant surprise.  Here is the press release from Rep. Mary Czaja (R) and Rep Chris Danou (D)

Madison – Statement from Rep. Mary Czaja (R-Irma) and Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) on progress of Assembly Bill 194 in state Senate:

“We are encouraged by the progress of AB 194 and we thank Senator Neal Kedzie, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee for scheduling a public hearing this week. There has been a great deal of discussion between legislators of both parties, sporting groups, and hunting enthusiasts and it is encouraging to see this legislation move forward.

 “Expanding crossbow use in Wisconsin will bring increased economic activity, in the manufacturing and retail sector. It will also provide additional hunting opportunities for all Wisconsinites, particularly women and young people who may not possess the physical strength to use a traditional bow. We thank our colleagues in the Assembly for their unanimous support of AB 194 in June. We look forward to the Senate considering the merits of this legislation.”

Assembly Bill 194 establishes a separate season and license for crossbow use in
Wisconsin, with the season to run concurrent to the traditional archery season. AB 194 was passed by the State Assembly with a vote of 95-0 on June 6th, 2013.

The slim chance Wisconsin could have crossbows legal in Wisconsin for the 2013 season is getting fatter.  Stay tune for updates as they happen.

UPDATE: 08/13/13 Public Hearing Rescheduled for August 21.

While on WPR:  Mike Brust, President of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association said:

 the concern is that an influx of crossbow hunters could result in fewer hunting opportunities for traditional bowhunters.  WBA supports a new crossbow season — as long as it’s separate from the traditional bow season.

The Natural Resources  Committee will hold a public hearing: 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 10:00 AM

300 Southeast State Capitol Madison, WI

Update 8/20/13: The slim hope of a 2013 crossbow season in Wisconsin has been squashed according to Senator Farrow in his crossbow legislation reaches compromise press release.  Those hunters who do not possess a disability permit will have to wait until 2014.

Madison – After weeks of discussion and amendment drafts, the Wisconsin State Senate is prepared to move Assembly Bill 194, also known as the Crossbow Hunting Bill, through the legislative process. The bill, offered by Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Mary Czaja (R-Irma), was passed by a vote of 95-0 in the State Assembly on June 6th and has been the topic of extensive discussion in the State Senate.

The bill creates a new crossbow hunting season that would run concurrently with the archery deer hunting season. It will also provide for a new era of sporting heritage in Wisconsin by gaining the interest of women, children, the elderly and disabled to Wisconsin’s long hunting traditions. The compromise allows for the DNR to create the new season in 2014 and allow enough time to evaluate the impact of the new season on the deer herd.

“Although members of the State Senate will ultimately make some changes to this legislation, it is the hard work and dedication of Representative Mary Czaja that truly held this legislation together,” stated Farrow. “With the amount of support this legislation received in the Assembly, Representative Czaja could have held firm and declined Senate amendments. Yet, because of her leadership and her commitment to our sportsmen and women, she helped create a workable and acceptable amendment.”